International Conference, 1 – 3 November 2010, CEE, Ahmedabad, India
  FAQ
Welcome to the FAQ for Earth Charter+10 International Conference at Ahmedabad, India.
If you have any more questions not listed here, please feel free to call us at
+91-079-26844765 or contact us by email at [email protected]
 
 

General Information

 
  What is EC+10 Conference about?  
  The EC+10 Conference aims to bring closer the philosophy and practice of the EC. It will provide a forum for people from a wide range of sectors to share and assess experiences as well as explore creative and effective ways to integrate the EC principles into their practice. It will provide a setting for evolving appropriate techniques, processes and indicators of applying the EC framework and principles in the larger canvas of Education for Sustainable Development.  
  Where and when is the EC+10 Conference going to be held?  
  The EC+10 Conference will be held at Centre for Environment Education in Ahmedabad, India, from November 1-3, 2010.  
  Local Information  
   
  What is Ahmedabad?  
  Ahmedabad is the largest city in Gujarat, a state in Western India. It is the seventh largest city and eighth largest metropolitan area of India. It is located on the banks of the River Sabarmati, 32 kms from the state capital Gandhinagar.

Ahmedabad is the fastest growing city of India, and ranked third as the fastest growing cities worldwide. In colloquial Gujarati, the city is commonly called Amdavad.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmedabad
 
  What languages are spoken in Ahmedabad?  
  Gujarati, Hindi and English are the primary languages spoken in Ahmedabad. Gujarati is the local language of the city and the state of Gujarat. Hindi is the national language of India and is widely spoken and understood in the city. English is widely used for official purposes and is well understood by the city residents.  
  What's the currency in India?  
  The currency of India is the rupee. One US Dollar is approximately Rs.44.5, and one Euro is about Rs.61.9.
You can find the current rates here: http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/time-zone/asia/india/currency.htm
The rates used at the exchange offices or in banks are always lower than the official one - you will get less INR for each euro or dollar.
 
  Can I use my credit card in Ahmedabad?  
  Yes, credit cards are accepted by a very large number of shops, restaurants, hotels etc. Two most popular card types in India are Visa (including Visa Electron) and MasterCard (including Maestro). American Express, Diners Club and JCB are much less used by the Indians, but they are also at select places. If you need some cash from your card, finding an ATM shouldn't be a problem in Ahmedabad.  
  How's the weather during November?  
  Ahmedabad has a hot and dry climate. Although it will be winter during the conference, the temperature will remain around 30-35°C or 90-95°F during the day but will be cooler and more pleasant in the evenings and nights.  
  What types of clothing do you suggest?  
  Attendees from western countries may prefer to wear summer clothes, such as a T-shirt and jeans, although warmer clothes, like a jumper/sweater, may be needed at night. Rains are quite unlikely so raincoats are unnecessary.  
  What electricity and telecommunications does Ahmedabad utilize?  
 
  • Resistor-network converters
    This type of converter usually supports approximately 50 -1600 Watts. They are lightweight. You can easily use this converter for high-wattage electrical appliances like hair dryers and irons. But, you can use them for short periods only and they are not ideal for digital devices.
  • Transformers
    Transformers support low watt rating, around 50 - 100 Watts. Generally, you can use them continuously. Also, they provide better electricity for low wattage appliances like battery chargers, radios, laptop computers, cameras, mp3 players and camcorders. Their drawback is the low wattage and heavy weight.
  • Combination converters
    Combination converters are also manufactured by some companies. They are a combination of a resistor network and a transformer in the same package. You can easily switch between the two modes. If you need both types of converters, then it is better to buy this combination converter.
    Outlets in India generally accept the following types of plug:
    Two round pins & Three round pins arranged in a triangle
    If your appliances plug has any other shape, you will need a plug adapter. If you plan to travel a lot in the future, it is better to get a combination voltage converter and a plug adapter.
 
Registration and Lodging
How do I register for the conference?
See - Registrations
What are the accommodation options in Ahmedabad?
See - Accommodation
A custom map has been created with the key locations of the conference and the hotels surrounding the venue.
Click here for the Map
Are there any conference discounts that can be availed for the hotels?
For special discounted conference rates please quote: “CEE international conference” when booking. You can reserve a room by either calling or emailing the hotel. For feedback purposes please you can also email: [email protected] to let us know that you have quoted us.
Transportation and Visas
What documents do I need to enter India?
You need to have a valid national passport recognised by India. You also require to apply for Indian visa at your local Indian embassy or mission . The process usually takes about 4 days. For more information click here
How do I get from the airport to the venue?
The venue (CEE) is about 18 km (11.1 miles) from the airport.
Due to the high volume of conference attendees, airport pickups will be difficult to provide for. However, a conference helpdesk will be functional from 28th October which will guide attendees to the prepaid taxi facilities available at the Ahmedabad airport.
What are the local transportation options?
Taxis and Auto-rickshaws are the most convenient forms of local transport in Ahmedabad
Conference and Schedule
Who's speaking when?
What other related events are there?
Plenary 6 on the 3rd day of the conference will be held at the Sabarmati Ashram (Gandhi Ashram).
Sabarmati Ashram was one of the residences of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
This ashram has now been declared a national monument due to its significance in the Indian independence movement. It houses a museum and an institution whose aim is to preserve and propagate the legacy of the Mahatma.
Tourism
What is there to do before/after the conference?
See Pre Conference Tour
Miscellaneous
Is smoking permitted at the venue?
Smoking is strictly prohibited at the main venue as well as the Sabarmati Ashram (venue for plenary 6)
Will food be provided? What kind of food?
Lunch on all three days and dinner on two nights of the conference and will be provided.
A variety of Indian cuisines along with some Western/continental dishes will be specially prepared keeping the conference's foreign attendees in mind.
All dishes will be exclusively vegetarian.
Should I bring my laptop? Will there be wireless internet access?
Yes, wireless internet access will be available.
I'm a presenter; how should I bring my presentation?
If you have your own laptop, you can connect it to the projector directly (Please bring any required cables).  If you don't have a computer, you can bring the presentation on a flash drive. You can also save a copy of your presentation online, in case you lose your flash drive.
How do I get announcements about EC+10 Conference
Conference updates will be given on the Facebook group as well as the Twitter page
What hash-tag should I use for tweets and photos?
Use #ecplus10india